Homes were evacuated following a gas leak in Margate last night.

Residents smelt gas in Nash Lane shortly after 3.30pm and emergency services only left the scene at 4am after engineers from gas company Transco gave the all clear.

At one point four fire engines were at the incident where crews worked with the police and British Red Cross, which has emergency response teams to help with major incidents.

Yesterday a fire spokesman told KentOnline: "Nearby residents have been evacuated from their properties as a precaution as well as Nash Lane, Nash Court Road and Nash Road being closed to the public.

"This closure is likely to be in place for several hours."

A water jet was used at one point, believed to be a precautionary measure, but it is not thought there were any explosions.

Nearby roads were closed by police for more than 12 hours while fire crews and gas company engineers dealt with the issue.

Kent County Council set up a centre for those affected at Hartsdown Sports and Leisure Centre in Hartsdown Road.

Residents are now thought to have returned to thier homes.